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OPM’s Services Online – Instructional Videos Now Available

Posted By Dennis Damp On In ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY,BENEFITS / INSURANCE,ESTATE PLANNING,RETIREMENT CONCERNS,SURVIVOR INFORMATION | Comments Disabled
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The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released three videos recently to help federal retirees navigate their online retirement services accounts. Those planning their retirement should be aware of the process; when you leave sign up to access your annuity and benefits information online.




This initiative is designed to assist federal employees transition from active service to retirement and encourage retirees to take advantage of this feature. The intent of these videos is to reduce login errors for federal retirees managing their retirement accounts online according to Kiran Ahuja, the OPM Director.

The process can be confusing and my article titled “ALERT – OPM Services Online Access Changes” [2] walks you through the sign on process and these changes. OPM’s videos provide additional help when signing up for an account.

OPM Videos

Services Online Benefits

Services Online lets annuitants (federal retirees or their spouses, ex-spouses, and children) manage their account online. You can view and print out your annuity statements, initiate or change allotments, download 1099R tax forms, set federal and state tax withholdings, and much more.

This service also has the capability to reduce OPM’s call center traffic. If you ever called for assistance, you know what I’m talking about. It’s difficult getting through and when you do the wait times are excessive. Much of the time a visit to OPM’s Services Online [6] will resolve your concerns.

Services Offered

There is a laundry list of services, downloadable annuity verification letters, and others that you can take advantage of. Here is a master list of what the site provides with a short description for each entry:

Summary

I highly recommend all retirees sign up for this service, it saves time and frustration when dealing with OPM. After you get acquainted with the sign in process, as described in my article and view the new videos, it’s easy to access and provides abundant services.

Each year I request a new Blue Book [8] using the request form under the Documents tab on the site and it provides updated information for your annuity and benefits.  I received my first book March 12, 2005 several months after I retired and I keep it to compare it to the new one I order each January. It is very revealing and is a must for your heirs, add it to your estate planning binder.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance including OPM’s retirement center. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change.

The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

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